MONTEGO BAY, Jamaica — In an electrifying display of musical prowess, the Reggae Sumfest Global Sound Clash at Catherine Hall Stadium in St James transformed into a battleground of sonic supremacy, with casualties aplenty in its wake.

Declared a musical battlefield by MC Boasy Boy Floyd, the competition reached unprecedented heights this year. The intensity was such that last year’s runner-up Code Red, and champion Dynamq Sound from South Sudan were eliminated in the early rounds, underscoring the ferocity of the clash.

By round three, it was clear the trophy would find a new home. The contenders: Notorious Sound from Maxfield Avenue, alongside Bad Gyal Marie from Japan, Warrior Sound International from Germany, and veteran Bodyguard from Clarendon.

The energy inside the stadium was palpable as the event drew an eager crowd that quickly swelled to capacity. Exclusive dubs rang out, prompting fans to cheer on their favourites amidst a vibrant, party-filled atmosphere.

The lone German contender, doubling as both hype-man and selector, despite a valiant effort with fiery dubs, lacked the arsenal to match the final-round contenders. The seasoned Bodyguard and the resilient Notorious Sound, alongside Bad Gyal Marie from Japan, proved too formidable, sending Warrior Sound packing in the fourth round.

As the crowd at Catherine Hall selected the top two sounds by the show of hands and the blaring of vuvuzelas, anticipation for the ‘Dub-Fi-Dub’ round reached fever pitch. Bodyguard, armed with a treasure trove of exclusive dubplates, launched an early offensive with tracks from reggae icons like Jimmy Cliff and Barrington Levy, delivering early blows to Notorious’ confidence.

But having boldly declared, “mi nah give up”, Notorious’ Likkle Shabba and his wife, Bad Gyal Marie, forged a comeback for the history books. Drawing on a special dub from the legendary Beres Hammond, Notorious boldly demanded that Bodyguard “step aside now” as they had come to take over.

That declaration evidently ruffled Bodyguard’s feathers as they delivered weak counteractions, which saw Notorious winning back-to-back rounds to bring the score to 4-2.

Even with a two-point deficit, Notorious proved strong in the face of great adversity. After five rounds of intense competition and a final segment showcasing the grit and tenacity it takes to overcome all odds, the sound from Maxfield Avenue, Kingston 13, emerged winners. The husband-and-wife duo concocted a winning formula that ultimately stunned even the experienced Bodyguard Sound.

Likkle Shabba and his partner in crime, Bad Gyal Marie, proved resilient in the face of immense pressure as they snagged the title from Bodyguard in the final round.

The winning team, admitting that their sound is still young on the clash circuit, said their victory proves that once one is hungry enough, anything is possible.

“Bodyguard is a sound weh mi grow up a listen to and mi have great respect for them, but tonight was all about showing what Notorious is capable of as a sound who just a do this professionally for maybe six, seven years,” said Likkle Shabba. “We came out here with a female selector, which is my wife, and the Jamaican-Japan connection did just strong. I am really proud of what we were able to do. Never give up. Whatever you’re doing, hard work, dedication, and belief inna yourself can take you anywhere.”

They walked away with the trophy courtesy of Magnum Tonic Wine, and $1 million. Notorious Sound was also declared the Power Play winner for which they received $100,000, courtesy of Sunshine Snacks.

Runner-up Bodyguard said despite the outcome, they are proud of their display.

“A di first this mi a clash so I feel very, very proud of my performance. Big up Notorious, Likkle Shabba, Bad Gyal Marie, it was a good fight and a fair one. I have no complaints, no regrets,” said Derrick Roache.

Magnum Tonic Wine, presenting partner with Reggae Sumfest for the Global Sound Clash, expressed their unwavering support for dancehall music.

“The energy on display tonight is why we continue to back dancehall,” said Magnum brand manager Brandon Wallace. “Events like the Global Sound Clash showcase the best of Jamaica’s culture. We had sounds from all over the globe, and the creativity was astounding.”

“We had sounds from all corners of the globe representing tonight and they really came all out. Di dub dem bad, we even had a Donald Trump (AI-generated) coming in on some of the dubs and it just goes to show how creative persons get in these clashes,” said Wallace. “This year is a really big year for us at Magnum. We’re celebrating our 25th anniversary and from inception, we have been supporting dancehall and we are all about Jamaican culture. We’re always going to be behind dancehall sound clash, the Street Dance and Festival Night One are things that align with our brand and we are proud of that connection.”

The other sound systems also expressed their gratitude for the platform provided by Magnum and Reggae Sumfest.

Chris Dymond of Code Red noted, “An event like this means a lot. We were added last minute but represented well.”

Kennedy Ongele Lorya of Dynamq Sound shared, “I always say this, I am privileged and honoured to be in Jamaica for Sound Clash. Jamaica has the best music in the world and amazing people. I mean, they welcomed me all the way from Africa, Warrior Sound all the way from Germany and Bad Gyal Marie all the way from Japan.”

“I respect Magnum and Reggae Sumfest for continuing to welcome international sounds because Jamaica could do it alone and at a very high standard but they say come in and enjoy our culture,” Lorya continued.

The Global Sound Clash at Reggae Sumfest continues to set the standard for musical competition, uniting fans and performers from around the world in a celebration of Jamaica’s rich musical heritage.